Mackenzie Sullivan '26 Internal Audit & Financial Advisory Intern

Mackenzie Sullivan '26 (Accounting) is an Internal Audit & Financial Advisory Intern at Protiviti in Phoenix, AZ

What was the process for getting this internship? My process started with an informational interview with a Protiviti recruiter after I received the opportunity through my admissions with excellence to Eller. After that I followed up at Meet the Firms with the same recruiter, shortly following I received the opportunity to interview for an internship. This whole process occurred in May of 2024 and I was able to secure the internship over a year out for the summer of 2025! At Meet the Firms approach recruiters with an excitement to learn and ask questions. Other than that just be honest and be yourself!

What has been your favorite part of the experience?  The first week of my internship they hosted all interns for an entire week in downtown Austin, Texas! We got to practice a mock case with fellow interns from around the country and make meaningful connections. There were dinners with live music and dancing on top of some of the best food I have ever had! 

What advice do you have for future students with a similar interest? My biggest piece of advice is to always be coachable and okay with trying new things. Showing that you can receive feedback and apply it to future projects demonstrates growth and maturity. For trying new things, it is common to be overwhelmed when asked to work on a project you have no experience in, but you never know, it might become a niche you fall in love with. Saying yes allows you to demonstrate the willingness to learn and be flexible which never goes unnoticed by other peers and advisors. 

How did Eller prepare you for this experience?  A lot of what I am working on this summer is very similar to what was covered in ACCT 461 with Karen Otto. Protiviti actually comes into that class at the end of the semester to do a risk and controls testing sheet. Eller also helps to prepare students for an audit internship through the countless times you get to work on teams. Being able to adjust to different types of people and learning how to work in teams carries over to valuable work skills. Overall, Eller helps to prepare students with the soft skills needed in the business world. Do not stress if you feel as if you don't know everything about an industry, the specifics are learned at work!